From 24-27 May we’re hosting a Small Biz Village at The Ideal Home Show Scotland to help more small businesses have an opportunity to retail at an iconic location at The SEC in Glasgow.
We caught up with three of the stallholders who will be at the village, to find out more about their business, how they juggle all the plates and keep going when business gets tough!
Kirstea
Meet Kirsty, founder of Kirstea, who creates beautiful floral gifts for you, and your home including jewellery, coasters, cards and more….
What is the most rewarding part of being a small business owner?
When someone genuinely loves your work and wants to shout about it.
What is your morning routine?
Feed my cats first – they wait for no one! Then make myself a cup of tea and take 10 minutes to myself to enjoy it before I start getting ready for the day.
How do you celebrate business milestones?
I do a little happy dance when no one is looking…
What are the key factors that have contributed to your business’s growth?
I got into a really talented group of Artisans in the Lake District, whose events have massively helped me grow my business. I’m now learning how to be selective about how and where I sell my products, it’s about figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Also, just sheer determination.
Looking back, what is the one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting your business?
Value yourself and your work. For years I was selling at ridiculously low prices as I didn’t think anyone would want to pay for my work, so if it was cheap it stood more chance. Your time and your effort is worth every penny to the right customer.
What makes your brand stand out, what’s unique about your business?
My brand appeals to customers as it takes traditional floral patterns and puts a modern spin on them, whilst still staying true to those roots. All of my designs start on paper. I hand draw all of my imagery before it is developed into pattern, which can be refreshing when we’re seeing a lot of digital imagery in surface design now.
What is the best business decision you’ve ever made?
Investing in my heat press. Before I did I was relying on other companies to print my products and I didn’t have full control of quantity or which designs I put on what products. Once I bought the press I was instantly in control. I can put whichever design I like on any of my products, I can print to customer demand and I’m in charge of the quality. It’s also such an enjoyable process so I’m in my happy place when I’m printing.
Find Kirstea at The Ideal Home Show on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May
Ephemeral Forever – Arts and Flowers
Meet Rachel, founder of Ephemeral Forever – Arts and Flowers , who begun her business in 2022 crafting stunning personalised gifts using flowers.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?
Diversity, I’ve learned to adapt to changes in consumer preferences, technology, market trends, or unforeseen challenges such as economic downturns or global pandemics, in order to survive in the business environment.
How do you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, any hacks?!
As a mother of a three years old child, I know I have to allocate sufficient time for both business and personal activities while keeping them separate. I would create a To-Do-List in advance, break down larger tasks into smaller steps, and make the most of my child’s naptime and TV time!!
What makes your brand stand out, what’s unique about your business?
My brand stands out for its fusion of customized arts and design, Japanese influence and quality craftsmanship. I pay attention to details in every piece I create, incorporating elements such as traditional techniques, colour theory, the symbolism of flowers into our artwork. This adds a distinctive Japanese flair to our creations.
How do you recharge and stay creative?
Taking a bath with a nice LUSH bath bomb and getting enough quality sleep would allow my brain to recharge, reconnect with myself and tap into my creative flow.
What is the most challenging aspect of running a business?
Time management, especially balancing responsibilities between my family and work, is indeed one of my challenging aspects of running a business. As a business owner, I often have various tasks and responsibilities competing for my time and attention. I sometimes feel guilty that I can’t dedicate more time to my little daughter.
What is your top tip for managing stress?
Prioritization and Delegation – I prioritize my tasks based on importance and project scheduling, while also identifying tasks that only I can do and delegating the rest to my trusted team members.
What’s next for your business?
I wish I could extend and expand my marketing reach by setting up showcases in my local community, particularly in a shopping centre with busy foot traffic that is close to where I live. This initiative is intended to help attract local customers and drive sales for my business.
What would you say is the most important skill for an entrepreneur?
Resilience. I believe it is a fundamental skill that empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, adapt to change and willing to work hard and put effort to achieve their goals, even in the face of adversity.
Find Ephemeral Forever – Arts and Flowers at The Ideal Home Show everyday of the show
Gather Homeware
Meet Julie, founder of Gather Homeware who creates beautiful homeware pieces created from Jesmonite, an eco-resin that is unique in its sustainability and recyclable qualities. All made in small batches in East Lothian,
What inspired you to start your own business?
My motivation is always creativity and my children. I used to run a cake business when my children were small, and as much as I loved it, it became too much with such a young family. This time, my children are older and need a me a bit less, but working for myself allows me to indulge my need for creativity as well as being able to be there for my family when needed.
How do you stay motivated during tough times in your business?
I remind myself why I do it. I am not great at working on other peoples schedules, and I like to be in control of my own time. Working for myself gives me this. When things are tough, I always remind myself that I am blesses to be in control of my own time and earnings.
What are the key factors that have contributed to your business’s growth?
Personally, getting my products out in the world. No-one is going to come knocking on your door. You have to put yourself out there. Something I was previously not very good at. You have to be a little shameless. I was very nervous to do my first creative market, this year I am doing both the Ideal Home Show and the Scottish Trade show. Just go for it.
Do you invest in your own learning and personal development as a business owner? If so, what do you do?
I am a huge believer in learning, all the time. I have a skillshare account that I use frequently, courses range from business and taxes, to all manner of creativity. I also take advantage of free offers from Content creators on Instagram, if they are interesting to me. The best course I have actually spent money on is from a fabulous Product Photographer who has a course on basic quick-fire product photography which is very useful to me as I don’t always have time to gather collections together to send off to my photographer.
What is the most challenging aspect of running a business?
One of my biggest issues is that I try to do everything myself. I have remind myself every day that it is not always possible and outsourcing and delegations can really help a business grow.
Do you set business goals for the month, quarter, year? If so tell us about the process
Previously I was never very good at planning and setting goals, so it is a massive learning curve for me. I bought a great book last year that is helping me – The Makers Yearbook by Nicola Taylor. I have found it immensely helpful, it has made me realise that I have to do more planning beyond the day-to-day and really explore all the areas of the business to make sure I am on the right path.
Meet Julie and her hand crafted creations at The Ideal Home Show on Saturday 25 May.
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